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Tributes have been paid to an "amazing and beautiful" police detective found murdered in a lake.

Officers launched a murder investigation after Leanne McKie, 39, who worked for Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) sex crimes unit, was found in a lake in Poynton Park, near Manchester, at 3.45am on Friday.

The doting mother of three young children had recently moved into a new £410,000 home with her husband Darren McKie, 43, a sergeant with GMP, after the pair had spent thousands of pounds renovating the property in Wilmslow.

Leanne McKie and her husband Darren McKie

Plasterer Andrew Butler had been working at the house for three weeks. said:

"They seemed a normal family," he said.

"Everything was OK. They went on holiday abroad and then came back.

"I saw them last Saturday and he was sat with the kids and she was getting ready for a party. They seemed happy.

A body has been found in Poynton Lake at Poynton Park, Poynton, Macclesfield, ManchesterCredit:
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One neighbour said: "They rented the house across the road while they did their new house up.

"They had only actually moved in a few weeks ago. They seemed excited to be moving in.

"I feel sorry for the children because they have lost their mum."

Last night Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, of GMP, said the force was "devastated".

"It is with great sadness that I can confirm that the body of serving GMP officer Leanne McKie was found in Poynton and a murder investigation has been launched by Cheshire Police," he said.

"I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to Leanne's family and friends at this devastating time. My heart particularly goes out to her three young children, who she adored.

"Leanne worked tirelessly to provide support and seek justice for victims of sexual crimes. She was a popular figure among her colleagues, who have been left devastated by the news of her tragic death. She will be sorely missed by everyone she worked with."

A body has been found in Poynton Lake at Poynton Park, Poynton, Macclesfield, ManchesterCredit:
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A 43-year-old man, also from Wilmslow, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and was said to be assisting officers with their inquiries.

Friend Matt Rogers wrote: "RIP Leanne McKie, I can't believe you've been taken away from us in that manner. You were a lovely gentle woman. She was my tutor in the police I worked with her for 6 months. I went to her wedding I can't believe it. She was a tiny petite lady who was a really good person. I'm devastated."

Her colleague PC Simon Toft wrote on Facebook: "One of the nicest women you could ever wish to meet. Never had a bad word about anyone. I'm genuinely heartbroken. I feel so sorry for her three beautiful children. I hope justice is done for her. God bless you Leanne and sleep peacefully xxx"

Detective Leanne McKie was found murdered in a lake in Manchester.Credit:
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Officer Michael Phillipson had trained her when she joined the force in 2001.

"I was Leanne's sergeant in her probation and her hubby's too. Went to their wedding. Am in disbelief and in shock!!! Rip L. Xx," he tweeted.

Detective Inspector Adam Waller said: "Leanne was a mother of three young children and a serving police officer in Greater Manchester Police. Our thoughts at this difficult time are with Leanne's family, friends and colleagues.

He said the incident appeared to be isolated and that police were not looking for anyone else in relation to her death.

Mr Waller urged anyone with any information to contact police.

The couple and their children – two girls aged three and six and a boy aged 11 – lived in Wilmslow, an upmarket town on the outskirts of Manchester.

Floral tributes left at the scene read: "Leanne, you were a beautiful, amazing soul. You will be so painfully missed by us all.

"Sleep tight angel. Love and kisses, The Robertsons."

Another note read: "Leanne, the most beautiful person inside and out. A fantastic mother, friend and daughter.